Facebook launches Messenger Kids preview in the US for users below the age of 13

Facebook on Monday announced the launch of a new version of its popular chat application Messenger named Messenger Kids. The new chat app has been designed primarily for children with a number of parental control features bundled in.

Messenger Kids. Image: FacebookMessenger Kids. Image: Facebook
The Messenger Kids application has been created to cater to users under the age of 13 as the social media giant does not legally allow users under 13 to sign up for an account. Messenger Kids, therefore, does not require a Facebook account and can be downloaded for free from the App Store for iPad, iPod touch and iPhone. The application, however, is under development, being available only as a preview in the US.

In terms of functionality, the application allows texting and video calling features to kids in a move which should see Facebook improve early adoption of its services for the newer generation.

The app requires an account to be set up, by the parent, for the first time after which children are allowed an option to initiate a one-on-one chat with an individual or participate in a group chat. The contacts available for chat, in this case, require prior parental approval, allowing the parents complete control of whom their children can converse with.